Sunday, February 13, 2011

More Duty Than Desire

People are right to point out that Canada hasn't been a substantive "player" in the Middle East for some time. It is also true that Canadians tend to overstate our international influence, demands for commentary and initiative, self congratulatory want that has no little real influence outside our borders. Probably true that we Canadians like to see ourselves as more relevant on the international stage than practically justified. However, none of these "truisms" detract from justified criticism directed towards this government, and their embarrassing shallow and thin responses to many world events, in particular what has happened in Egypt.

The Conservatives display little curiousity about the world; you don't sense any real passion for foreign affairs, cookie cutter, superficial, and sadly amateurish far too often. On the international stage, you can create influence, you can position yourself, you can find a niche and exploit for maximum input. This idea that Canada isn't a factor in Egypt so why bother, is defeatist, as well as self fulfilling. History is full of an overwhelming number of examples wherein middle powers "punch above their weight", but what is required is desire to have influence. This government treats the international stage much like they treat federalism, hands off, only react when threatened, really no "agenda" or overarching philosophy. Defenders will mention Israel, but really most would agree the prominence is more a function of electoral prospects than burning desire. Canada has always been a strong, consistent defender of Israel, the recent controversies are partisan creation rather than bold policy.

Where is Canada making a mark on foreign policy, where is this government distinguishing itself? Everything I read, foreign diplomats openly ask "what happened to Canada?", "where is Canada?", you never read much praise, apart from nuts and bolts acknowledgement of our banking system, other realites that really are separate from this government's outreach.

The Conservatives react to events in Egypt in robotic fashion, here's the statements, bland, more duty than desire. There is no sense of genuine involvement, it has no resonance even domestically, never mind beyond our borders. I would argue that while we are marginal players, the inability to understand diplomatic nuance, the forfeiting of a voice for domestic electoral consideration, has rendered us even less influential, to the point of laughable.

I listen to Rae from the Liberals, Dewar from the NDP and you can hear passion in their voices, as they speak about Egypt. You listen to this government, the deadpan doll eye routine and you realize it's only obligation that motivates. While it's true that we overstate our importance, it's also true that this government's low priority vibe only contributes to a falling stature. Canada might not be a "player", but it's also credible to argue Canada has never been more of a "bit player" than it is today, right now, under Stephen Harper and his simplistic, black and white view of a complicated world.

15 comments:

"History is full of an overwhelming number of examples wherein middle powers "punch above their weight",

Every time I read a line like that I barf a little in my mouth. What is with Liberals and their pathological love of that phrase? It's not like a Liberal would ever throw a punch, And maybe Liberals should consider that that phrase references boxing, a sport that has become a laughing stock due to infighting and corruption, and perhaps update it a bit. Or leave it alone 'cause it does fit well, a corrupt party brought low by infighting referencing their kindred sport.

And then you go on to praise Dewar and Rae..."can hear passion in their voices"

Let's step back a little here. What have we just witnessed? Certainly the uprising of real Eqyptian's causing a huge and dramatic capitulation by what was essentially a "President for Life".

But we have also seen the Generals who have been Mubarek's backbone for 30 years come out even stronger. There is now a direct military dictatorship. We also have a Sharia Law espousing Islamic group now openly signing up new members, and a pipeline of support opening with Iran.

It seems to me that the starry eyed ameteurs in this little drama is more likely Dewar and Rae. The one really casting his gaze into the future is our Prime Minister who is a little more wary of where this all may end.

Whether what happened really makes Egypt more free, democratic and hospitable to the west; or makes it more closed, fanatic, and conspiratorial, only time will tell. I'm glad Rae and Dewar are cheerleaders and not our quarterbacks.

"I think that it's clear to me after watching this government for several years now as foreign affairs critic that this government doesn't really get foreign policy," Rae told Question Period.

"They really only see it as a place in which to practice domestic politics. Whether that works for them or not, I don't know. I can only tell you that as far as the world is concerned I think we're punching well, well, well below out weight, well below our capacity, and well below our traditional strength as a country."

The "domestic politics" comment is similar to the same point I made, there is no vision, just seen as tool for electoral advantage. Oh ya, and the boxing reference was great too!!!

Oops I forgot to insertRae sounds like a bandwagon amateur. Harper is measured and mature.You do not want the 1979 Iranian outcome.

Harper does sound and is a bandwagon amateur. He does love performing on his piano. The propaganda expert IS measured immature and childish.

Egypt has already stated that they will continue to support Israel. And after 5 years of Harper, I think I can believe Egypt a lot more than the want to be President and dictator.

You do not want the 1979 Iranian outcome. No we don’t but we also do not want it here in Canada.

Egypt has already stated that they will continue to support Israel so your theory is about as false as your liar hypocrite leader and the rest of you trolls. Give your heads a shake. As if anyone here would ever take you jokers seriously.

I remember how Canada used to be and it is crying shame what has happened to us. Pearson was one of a kind, and knew the Middle East well. Even Ignatieff knows far more about the world than Harper ever will.Rae is not stupid, either, as some trolls think.

People can diss Rae, but he towers over anything the Cons have on foreign affairs. Coyne even suggested they recruit him, that's the kind of stature he enjoys. The opinion of the goosestep gang and their simplistic view of the world, who cares...

was that the thinkers conference where they rode iggy in naked on a white horse and proclaimed "lead us to victory great one" or am i thinking of a different conference.If Iggy is so worldly which i dont doubt. Why isn't he bringing it, it's time for him to shine say something memorable. Harper has been uninspirational,I give you that. If this Liberal team is so superior in this area why is it so scared to say anything I don't get it.